In its reply to my question of 20 October 2016 about nitrates in foodstuffs, the Commission referred to an evaluation being carried out at that time by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in order to determine the possible health hazards of the E249-250 and E251-252 food additives.

EFSA’s conclusions, on which the Commission is supposed to base such revision of the rules as might be deemed necessary, are not entirely clear-cut. According to EFSA, the levels currently considered safe are sufficient to protect consumers. However, the data suggest that children’s exposure is above the safe levels. Furthermore, sampling in its present form does not allow for the fact that there are other sources of exposure to nitrates and nitrites apart from food additives.

— Does the Commission think that the EFSA conclusions will suffice, or does it intend to explore the matter further by making additional assessments?

— Will it act on EFSA’s concerns about the fact that, as far as children are concerned, the safe limits are being exceeded?